When the chains go mad is a popular proverb in Kerala. In ancient times, those who suffered from mental illness were restrained using chains. But what if the chains themselves go mad? This proverb refers to a time of crisis when those who are supposed to enforce control themselves act without restraint. It seems as though Kerala is going through such a crisis, given the way news fills up around us every day.

The most serious among these is the issue related to the hijab at Palluruthy St. Rita's School. In the very first days when this issue became controversial, the school held discussions with the student’s parents and they agreed to abide by the school rules and move forward.

However, it was Education Minister V. Shivankutty's certain statements that completely shattered the consensus and reconciliation that had been reached on the matter and polluted the issue. The minister's controversial statements were: "The student should be allowed to continue her education wearing the hijab, there was a serious lapse on the part of the management, the school should apologize for creating a situation where the student could not continue education, a nun who wears a veil speaks against students who wear veils."

It is unfortunate that the honorable minister does not understand the irrationality of what he is saying and the repercussions it could create. The ulterior motives of the education department officials who misled the minister by submitting such a report should also be investigated.

Now, finally, the parents have announced that they are transferring the student to another school, and protest statements from Muslim organization spokespersons have also emerged.

The controversial statements from the honorable minister are an excellent example of how unwise words can worsen an issue that was resolved. What is this person aiming for? Communal conflict or is it a political gimmick to divert public attention from the controversies and accused corruptions on this government?

In any case, what other disasters are these maddened chains going to create? This is a time when the general public needs to exercise great vigilance and restraint. Let religious interests not disturb the purity of our public spaces.

The matter is under the consideration of the honorable court; let the court and the law decide things from here. The rights of the student and the school must be protected, so let us keep vested interests at bay.